A rare cause of chest pain: Acute pericarditis associated with Clozapine treatment

Abstract

Tolga Sinan Guvenc, Dr. Siyami Ersek Hastanesi, Tibbiye Cad. No:25, Haydarpasa, Istanbul, Tel. 0216 4445257 Email. tsguvenc@gmail.com Gelis Tarihi: 28.04.2011 • Kabul Tarihi: 13.05.2011 ABSTRACT Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Cardio toxicity in therapeutic doses is an important concern for the safety of the drug, as there are reported cases of myocarditis, pericarditis and cardiomyopathy following clozapine use. Our aim is to report a rare, but important cause of chest pain in a schizophrenia patient. A 20 year-old male with schizophrenia and on clozapine treatment admitted to our hospital and he was diagnosed with acute pericarditis based on the clinical examination, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic fi ndings. Discontinuation of clozapine resulted in remission of the signs and symptoms within 5 days. Although acute pericarditis is the rarest manifestation of clozapine cardio toxicity it is important in clinical practice. Failure to recognize may result with serious consequences, including pericardial tamponade and fulminant myocarditis.